Ventilation assembly configurable for top openings and/or side openings

ABSTRACT

A modular blower combination assembly comprising an interconnection element and a pair of modular blower sub-assemblies associated therewith for exploitation in a ventilation device or system.

The present invention relates to a ventilation device which comprises ahousing means as well as a number of inlet and outlet means, namelyfresh air inlet means, exhaust or stale air inlet means, exhaust orstale air outlet means and fresh air outlet means. The present inventionin particular relates to a ventilation device comprising an outer framemeans (e.g. a housing) and ventilation components mounted to said frame(e.g. within a housing) configured so as to define air paths (e.g.internal air paths) for the exchange of sensible and/or latent heatbetween exhaust air (e.g. warm and/or moist air) taken from inside abuilding or enclosure and exterior fresh air (e.g. cool and/or dry air)which is drawn into the building or enclosure. These types ofventilation systems or devices are known.

It would be advantageous to have available a ventilation unit availablewith top and/or side ports without having to exploit two totallydifferent platforms. This would allow much more flexibility in terms ofits fabrication and installation.

It would be advantageous to have a ventilation unit which may bedesigned with airflow and a heat (or energy) transfer core disposed insuch a position that with the same frame an air-exchanger may beconfigured with top ports and/or side ports simply by blocking off theside or top openings as the case may be and by rotating the internalblower(s) which are configured as part of a module that could forexample be incremented (i.e. rotated) by 90 degrees.

It would in particular be advantageous to have an enclosure or housingfor a modular blower combination assembly able to be configured so as tobe able to be seated in relation to an interconnection element such thatair may be expelled from the air outlet thereof in a first direction andas desired in relation to production needs be rotatable so as to be ableto be seated in relation to the interconnection element such that airmay be expelled from the air outlet thereof in a second directiontransverse to the first direction.

Thus the present invention in accordance with one aspect provides amodular blower combination assembly comprising an interconnectionelement and a pair of modular blower sub-assemblies associatedtherewith,

said interconnection element configured for interconnecting said pair ofmodular blower sub-assemblies in juxtaposed (e.g. releasable)relationship in a respective first configuration and in a respectivesecond configuration,

each of said modular blower sub-assemblies comprising blower means andan enclosure disposed about said blower means,

said blower means having an upstream side and a downstream side,

said enclosure comprising a pair of opposed faces interconnected by sidewall means,

said enclosure having an axis of rotation relative to said opposedfaces,

one of said opposed faces defining a blower opening in air communicationwith one side of the blower means, the blower means having an axis ofrotation transverse to said one opposed face,

said side wall means defining a side blower opening in air communicationwith the other side of the blower means,

said enclosure being configured to be able to engage saidinterconnection element in a first configuration whereby said sideblower opening is disposed in a first position such that air may passthrough said side blower opening in a first direction and beingconfigured to be able, on rotation of the enclosure about said axis ofrotation of the enclosure, to engage said interconnection element in asecond configuration whereby said side blower opening is disposed in asecond position such that air may pass through said side blower openingin a second direction transverse (e.g. perpendicular) to said firstdirection.

The present invention in accordance with another aspect provides amodular blower assembly for association with an interconnection elementconfigured for (releasably) interconnecting a pair of modular blowerassemblies in juxtaposed relationship in a respective firstconfiguration and in a respective second configuration, said modularblower assembly comprising blower means and an enclosure disposed aboutsaid blower means,

said blower means having an upstream side and a downstream side,

said enclosure comprising a pair of opposed faces interconnected by sidewall means,

said enclosure having an axis of rotation relative to said opposedfaces,

one of said opposed faces defining a blower opening in air communicationwith one side of the blower means, the blower means having an axis ofrotation transverse to said one opposed face,

said side wall means defining a side blower opening in air communicationwith the other side of the blower means,

said enclosure being configured to be able to engage saidinterconnection element in a first configuration whereby said sideblower opening is disposed in a first position such that air may passthrough said side blower opening in a first direction and beingconfigured to be able, on rotation of the enclosure about said axis ofrotation of the enclosure, to engage said interconnection element in asecond configuration whereby said side blower opening is disposed in asecond position such that air may pass through said side blower openingin a second direction transverse (e.g. perpendicular) to said firstdirection.

An enclosure for a modular blower assembly of the present invention maytake on any form or configuration keeping in mind the requirement thatthe enclosure of a sub-assembly is to be able to be rotatable so as todisplace the side wall opening as desired. An enclosure for a modularblower assembly may for example have a cross-section (transverse to theaxis of rotation of the enclosure) which is square like (see figuresbelow) so that the enclosure side wall elements may be rotated inincremental fashion (i.e. 90 degrees per rotation). The enclosure mayhowever have any other type of cross-section keeping in mind theenclosure is to be able to pass from one configuration to another asdescribed herein; it may have a hexagonal cross section. Alternatively,for example although the enclosure has been described in relation to arectangular box-like form, the enclosure may take on a circular form(i.e. circular cross section relative to the axis of rotation of theblower means) in which case the interconnection element is to bemodified in order to be able to displace the side wall opening asdiscussed herein.

Thus the present invention in accordance with another aspect provides amodular blower combination assembly comprising an interconnectionelement and a pair of modular blower sub-assemblies associatedtherewith,

said interconnection element configured for interconnecting said pair ofmodular blower sub-assemblies in juxtaposed relationship in a respectivefirst configuration and in a respective second configuration,

each of said modular blower sub-assemblies comprising blower means andan enclosure disposed about said blower means,

said blower means having an upstream side and a downstream side,

said enclosure having a rectangular box-like form and comprising a pairof opposed square broad faces interconnected by a first side wallelement and three secondary side wall elements, said enclosure having acentral axis of rotation relative to said opposed square broad faces,

one of said opposed broad faces defining a blower air intake opening inair communication with the upstream side of the blower means, the blowermeans having an axis of rotation transverse (e.g. perpendicular) to saidone opposed face,

said first side wall element defining a side blower air outlet openingin air communication with the downstream side of the blower means,

said enclosure being configured to be able to engage saidinterconnection element in a first configuration whereby said sideblower opening is disposed in a first position such that air may passout of said side blower opening in a first direction and beingconfigured to be able, on rotation of the enclosure 90 degrees aboutsaid central axis of rotation of the enclosure, to engage saidinterconnection element in a second configuration whereby said sideblower opening is disposed in a second position such that air may passout of said side blower opening in a second direction perpendicular tosaid first direction.

The present invention in accordance with a further aspect provides amodular blower assembly for association with an interconnection elementconfigured for interconnecting a pair of modular blower assemblies injuxtaposed relationship in a respective first configuration and in arespective second configuration,

said modular blower sub-assembly comprising blower means and anenclosure disposed about said blower means,

said blower means having an upstream side and a downstream side,

said enclosure having a rectangular box-like form and comprising a pairof opposed square broad faces interconnected by a first side wallelement and three secondary side wall elements, said enclosure having acentral axis of rotation relative to said opposed square broad faces,

one of said opposed broad faces defining a blower air intake opening inair communication with the upstream side of the blower means, the blowermeans hsving sn axis of rotation transverse to said one opposed face,

said first side wall element defining a side blower air outlet openingin air communication with the downstream side of the blower means,

said enclosure being configured to be able to engage saidinterconnection element in a first configuration whereby said sideblower opening is disposed in a first position such that air may passout of said side blower opening in a first direction and beingconfigured to be able, on rotation of the enclosure 90 degrees aboutsaid central axis of rotation of the enclosure, to engage saidinterconnection element in a second configuration whereby said sideblower opening is disposed in a second position such that air may passout of said side blower opening in a second direction perpendicular tosaid first direction.

In accordance with the present invention the axis of rotation of the(blower) enclosure may be coterminous with the axis of rotation of theblower means enclosed therein; alternatively as desired or necessary theaxis of rotation of the (blower) enclosure may be offset with respect tothe axis of rotation of the blower means enclosed therein. The axis ofrotation of the (blower) enclosure may be parallel or as desired ornecessary non-parallel to the axis of rotation of the blower meansenclosed therein. The axis of rotation of the( blower) enclosure may beconsidered to be a central axis or a non-central axis depending on theshape of the enclosure. In any event the disposition of these two axiiof rotation is to be determined keeping in mind the requirement that theenclosure of a sub-assembly is to be rotatable so as to be able todisplace the side wall opening as desired herein.

The interconnection element may take on any form or configurationkeeping in mind the requirement that the enclosure of a sub-assembly isto be rotatable so as to be able to displace the side wall opening asdesired. The interconnection element may for example comprise two ormore components. The interconnection element may for example form a partof the outer enclosure of the ventilation unit. A modular blowercombination assembly in accordance with the present invention may forexample comprise an interconnection element which may comprise anelongated element which may have an L-like cross-section so as to have afoot portion and a upstanding leg portion connected thereto, said footportion being configured for seating said enclosure by engagement with asecondary side wall element. An interconnection element which may, forexample, comprise a shell element as described herein

In accordance with the present invention a ventilation device or systemmay incorporate therein modular blower sub-assemblies as describedherein. The ventilation unit may for example also comprise a hexagonalshape stacked core such as described in published Can. Pat. Appln.No.2416508 and in U.S. patent application No. 739,412 published underno. 20040226685 the entire contents of both of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

A ventilation unit in accordance with the present invention may have theheat exchanger Core laid on its back with only a slight angle to achieveenough water drainage. In this case the modular blower combinationassembly may provide two blowers to get both exhaust blowers behind thecore, i.e. on the air output sides of the core for exhausting air out ofthe fresh air and stale air sides of the core. Those blower enclosuresmay be if so desired identical (or different) and may be provided with atongue and groove pattern for engagement with other elements of theventilation unit, i.e. so that the enclosures may be rotated duringproduction to achieve either a side or a top port configuration for thefinal ventilation unit.

In accordance with the present invention ventilator housing means may beprovided which may be designed or configured with dual openings on eachopposed sides as well as a pair of openings on the top side thereof. Anynot-required openings may be blocked with a suitable respective plug;for example, any suitable “swappable” plug may be used to allow aircirculation for either a side or a top port configured unit.

Benefits of a ventilation unit of the present invention includeconvertibility (e.g. at the factory, on the production line) ofventilation unit from top to side port (or vise-versa) while for examplebeing relatively extremely flat (only 12 inches for a 100 Cfm (cubicfeet per minutes) unit.

In drawings which illustrate example embodiments of the presentinvention:

FIG. 1 a schematically illustrates a perspective view of an exampleembodiment of a modular blower combination assembly comprising aninterconnection element (comprising an L-shaped element) and a pair ofidentical modular blower sub-assemblies associated therewith wherein theelements are disposed in a configuration wherein the air outlet openingseach point upwardly (from the top) in the same direction;

FIG. 1 b schematically illustrates a perspective view of the embodimentof the modular blower combination assembly of FIG. 1 a reconfigured(i.e. by rotation of the sub-assemblies) such that the interconnectionelement seats the pair of modular blower sub-assemblies associatedtherewith such that the air outlet opening point in opposite sidedirections;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view of theinterconnection element of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b comprising an L-shapedelement or member;

FIG. 3 a schematically illustrates a perspective view of a modularblower sub-assembly shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b;

FIG. 3 b schematically illustrates a front air inlet view of a modularblower sub-assembly shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b;

FIG. 3 c schematically illustrates a top air outlet view of a modularblower sub-assembly shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b;

FIG. 3 d schematically illustrates a bottom view of a modular blowersub-assembly shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b;

FIG. 3 e schematically illustrates a left side view of a modular blowersub-assembly shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b;

FIG. 3 f schematically illustrates a right side view of a modular blowersub-assembly shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b;

FIG. 3 g schematically illustrates a rear view of a modular blowersub-assembly shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b;

FIG. 4 a schematically illustrates an explode perspective view of amodular blower sub-assembly shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b;

FIG. 4 b schematically illustrates a detail of the motor assembly of themodular blower sub-assembly shown in FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 4 c schematically illustrates a further partial perspective frontview detail of the motor assembly of the modular blower sub-assemblyshown in FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 5 a schematically illustrates a perspective view from the rightside upwardly from below into the interior of an example shell elementfor housing a heat exchanger core, the shell element having the aspectof a U-shaped member wherein the front U-shaped opening is configured toengage the modular blower sub-assemblies of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b in tongueand groove fashion;

FIG. 5 b schematically illustrates a bottom view of the shell element ofFIG. 5 a;

FIG. 5 c schematically illustrates a front view through the frontU-shaped opening of the shell element of FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 5 d schematically illustrates a left side view of the shell elementof FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a rear perspective view from the leftside upwardly from below into the interior of an example shell elementof FIG. 5 a showing wherein the front U-shaped opening engages one ofthe modular blower sub-assemblies of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b in tongue andgroove fashion, the further modular blower sub-assemblies being shown inthe process of being engaged with the shell element;

FIG. 7 a schematically illustrates the association of the modular blowersub-assemblies of FIGS. 1 a with the shell element to form a top portunit, the L-shaped interconnection element being removed;

FIG. 7 b schematically illustrates the association of the modular blowersub-assemblies of FIGS. 1 b with the shell element to form either a sideport unit, the L-shaped interconnection element being removed;

FIG. 8 a schematically illustrates a perspective view from above of anexample a ventilation unit of the present invention wherein the modularsub-assemblies define a top port configuration, the ventilation unitincluding an exterior casing component enclosing the modular blowerassembly combination assembly and a modular core combination assembly;

FIG. 8 b schematically illustrates a top view of the ventilation unit ofFIG. 8 a, showing the various top ports (communicating with respectiveopenings) extending from the top of the ventilation unit;

FIG. 8 c schematically illustrates a side view of the ventilation unitof FIG. 8 a, showing the top ports associated with the modular blowersub-assemblies both in front of the other two ports;

FIG. 8 b schematically illustrates a further side view of theventilation unit of FIG. 8 a, showing one top port associated with themodular blower sub-assemblies and one of the other top ports;

FIG. 9 a schematically illustrates an exploded view of an exampleexterior casing configuration for a top port ventilation unit, theL-shaped element being an element of the exterior casing and theexterior casing including a door element to cover the major opening ofthe shell element;

FIG. 9 a schematically illustrates an exploded view of an exampleexterior casing configuration for a side port ventilation unit, theL-shaped element being an element of the exterior casing and theexterior casing including a door element to cover the major opening ofthe shell element;

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates an exploded view of an exampleexterior casing configuration for a top port ventilation unit of FIG. 9associated with modular blower sub-assemblies in top port configurationin relation to the L-shaped element, a side port configuration of thesub-assemblies also being shown in dotted outline;

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a perspective view from above of anexample top port configured ventilation unit in accordance with thepresent invention comprising a hexagonal exchanger core, showing airflow in relation to the top ports and with the exterior casing partiallycut away to expose the hexagonal exchanger core;

FIG. 12 a schematically illustrates a top view of the ventilation unitof FIG. 11 again with a portion of the exterior casing cut away toexpose the hexagonal exchanger core, the unit being in a fresh airdelivery configuration;

FIG. 12 b schematically illustrates a front side view of the ventilationunit of FIG. 11 again with one top port cut away along with a portion ofthe exterior casing to expose the hexagonal exchanger core, the unitbeing in a fresh air delivery configuration;

FIGS. 13 a and 13 b respectively schematically illustrate in enlargedcut away format the disposition of a damper assembly for allowing theinput of fresh air into the top port configuration of ventilation unitof FIG. 11 and for the blocking off of fresh air for stale aircirculation in an ventilator enclosure through both sides of theexchanger core via a short circuit member;

FIG. 13 c schematically illustrates in enlarged cut away format thedisposition of a damper assembly for allowing the input of fresh airinto the side port configuration of ventilation unit;

FIG. 14 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the shellelement shown in FIG. 5 a with the shell element rotated 180 degreesabout the axis perpendicular to the base side wall element of the shellelement;

FIG. 15 a schematically illustrates a perspective view from aboveshowing the wide U-shaped opening of a wedge shaped channel member ofthe present invention for a ventilation unit having side ports;

FIG. 15 b schematically illustrates a perspective view from aboveshowing the narrow U-shaped opening of the wedge shaped channel memberof FIG. 15 a;

FIG. 15 c schematically illustrates a perspective view from below of thewedge shaped channel member of FIG. 15 a;

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a shell elementof FIG. 14 wherein the wedge shaped channel member of FIG. 15 a isdisposed in the shell so as to define a stale air path, the stale airpath being closed off at the narrow opening by a damper;

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a shell elementand wedge member of FIG. 16 wherein the damper is retracted away fromthe wedge member so as to close off the fresh air opening of the shellelement and expose the narrow opening of the wedge member;

FIG. 18 a schematically illustrates a perspective view from aboveshowing the wide U-shaped opening of a further wedge shaped channelmember of the present invention for a ventilation unit having top ports;

FIG. 18 b schematically illustrates a perspective view from below of thewedge shaped channel member of FIG. 18 a showing the narrow U-shapedopening thereof;

FIG. 19 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a shell elementof FIG. 14 wherein the wedge shaped channel member of FIG. 18 a isdisposed in the shell so as to define a stale air path, the stale airpath being closed off at the narrow opening by a damper;

FIG. 20 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a shell elementand wedge member of FIG. 19 wherein the damper is retracted away fromthe wedge member so as to close off the fresh air opening of the shellelement and expose the narrow opening of the wedge member;

FIG. 21 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a ventilationunit of the present invention with the covering element removed alongwith the L-shaped interconnection element and one of the modular blowersub-assemblies so as to expose the hexagonal exchanger core;

FIG. 22 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a<the interiorside of a covering element of the present invention;

FIG. 23 a is a schematic illustration of an example fresh air in cyclefor a ventilation unit of the present invention showing energy recoveryof air from inside an enclosure (i.e. building) by the ventilation unitof the present invention;

FIG. 23 b is a schematic illustration of an example stale air returncycle for a ventilation unit of the present invention showing stale airfrom inside an enclosure (i.e. building) passing through the heatexchanger core back into the enclosure;

FIG. 24 is an illustrative graphic image of an electronics module forassociation with the L-shaped interconnection means;

FIGS. 25 a and 25 b are respectively illustrative graphic images of thedisposition in exploded view and associated view of an electronicsmodule for association with the L-shaped interconnection means and shellelement as well the with the modular blower sub-assemblies;

FIG. 26 is an illustrative graphic image of a shell element and modularblower sub-assemblies for a top port configuration showing a plug memberused to block off unused side opening of the shell element, exteriorcasing removed;

FIG. 27 is an illustrative graphic image of a shell element and modularblower sub-assemblies for a side port configuration showing a plugmember used to block off an unused top opening of the shell element,exterior casing removed;

FIG. 28 is an illustrative graphic image of a shell element and modularblower sub-assemblies with the exterior casing and L-shapedinterconnection means removed and showing the unit with an electronicscontrol module for a top port configuration; and

FIG. 29 is an illustrative graphic image of a shell element and modularblower sub-assemblies with the exterior casing and L-shapedinterconnection means removed and showing the unit with an electronicscontrol module for a side port configuration.

The present invention will be discussed hereinafter in relation to anexample modular blower combination assembly comprising aninterconnection element and a pair of modular blower sub-assembliesassociated therewith, said modular blower sub assemblies being disposedin juxtaposed (e.g. side by side adjacent or spaced apart) relationship,said modular blower sub-assemblies each comprising a pair of opposedbroad faces, one of said broad faces defining a blower air intakeopening in air communication with a motorized blower means comprising ablower, the axis of rotation of the blower being perpendicular to thesaid one broad face, said modular blower sub-assemblies each furthercomprising a pair of narrow side faces disposed parallel to said axis ofrotation, one of said narrow side face defining an air outlet opening inair communication with the motorized blower means, said modular blowersub-assemblies each being configured so as to be able to be seated inrelation to the interconnection element such that air may be expelledfrom the air outlet thereof in a first direction and so as to be rotatedso as to be seated in relation to the interconnection element such thatair may be expelled from the air outlet thereof in a second directiontransverse (e.g. perpendicular) to said first direction.

In accordance with the present invention the modular blowersub-assemblies may be arranged to eject air streams which are paralleland in the same direction, which are in opposite directions, which areparallel and in opposite directions, which are transverse to each other(e.g. perpendicular).

In the following the same reference designation will be used in thefigures to designate common elements.

Thus FIGS. 1 a and 1 b illustrate an example embodiment of a modularblower combination assembly comprising an elongated L-shapedinterconnection element 2 and a pair of identical modular blowersub-assemblies (designated by the reference numeral 4) associatedtherewith.

FIG. 2 illustrates the L-shaped element of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b.

FIGS. 3 a to 3 g illustrate a variety of views of a modular blowersub-assembly of Figure page 1.

FIGS. 4 a illustrates an exploded view of the modular blowersub-assembly of Figure page 3 wherein FIGS. 4 b and 4 c provide moredetailed views of the motor assembly.

The blower sub-assemblies each comprise a blower enclosure 4 having arectangular box-like form. The enclosure 5 has a blower means 6 disposedtherein. The enclosure 4 also has a pair of opposed broad faces (one ofwhich is designated by the reference numeral 8 in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b).The broad face 8 defines a blower air inlet opening 10 which is in aircommunication with the upstream side of the blower means 6. Theenclosure 4 has (minor) side wall elements that link the two broad faces8. Thus the enclosure 5 has a first side wall element 12 defining sideblower air outlet opening 14 which is in air communication with thedownstream side of the blower means 6. Referring as well to FIGS. 3 a to3 g, the enclosure 4 also has secondary side wall elements 16, 18 and20. The enclosure 4 also has a central axis of rotation 22 relative tothe opposed broad faces (e.g. face 8). The blower means 6 has an axis ofrotation 22 a which is offset (see FIGS. 3 c and 3 g) from the centralaxis 22. The axis 22 and the axis 22 a when viewed in relation to theplane of the paper on which the broad faces are shown in FIGS. 3 b and 3c (i.e. the plane of the paper passing through the peripheral edges ofthe broad faces) may be viewed or considered as being perpendicular tothe broad faces The broad face 8 may as desired also be provided with asquare female groove element 24 that is disposed about the periphery ofthe broad face 8 for engagement with a shell element described below.

Referring to FIG. 2, this figure shows an interconnection element whichmay comprise an elongated L-shaped element 2 having a foot element 28and a leg element 30 upstanding therefrom.

The blower sub-assemblies 4 are shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b seated on thefoot element 28 in either of two configurations, namely a configurationas shown in FIG. 1 a wherein the air outlet openings 14 are each pointupwardly in the same direction (i.e. for a ventilation unit having topports) and as shown in FIG. 1 b wherein the air outlet opening point inopposite directions for a unit having side ports). In either case as maybe understood the blower intake openings 10 on the major or broad facesdo not change position relative to the interior of a ventilation unit,i.e. the difference in disposition of the air outlet openings 14 is dueto a 90 degree rotation of the enclosure about the enclosure axis 22. Asseen in FIG. 2 the blower sub-assemblies 4 may be seated in unfixedfashion to the L-shaped element 2; alternatively as necessary or desiredthe blower sub-assemblies may be fixed to the element 2 by any suitablemeans (e.g. by screws through the foot and or leg elements).

In any case referring back to FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, the FIG. 1 a shows themodular sub assemblies 4 in a top port configuration as describedherein; the modular sub assemblies 4 may at this stage however asdesired or necessary be rotated (90 degrees) about their respective axii22 so as to be disposed in a side port configuration as describedherein.

Referring to FIGS. 4 a to 4 c, a blower sub-assembly 4 may comprise atwo part enclosure 4, namely parts 5 a and 5 b. The blower means maycomprise a blower wheel 34 attached (in any suitable manner) by a blowerwheel back plate 38 to the rotatable outer rotor shell part 40 of amotor 42 ; the motor 42 is fixed (by screws) to the back part 5 b of theenclosure 5 by spacer elements 44 which are in turn screwed to the ametal support plate 46; the motor 42 being attached to the metal plate46 by screw-spacer—grommet combinations one of which indicated generallyby the reference numeral 50. The blower sub-assembly may include aC-collar 56 for maintaining the blower wheel in engagement with themotor. A suitable motor may be obtained from EBM-PAPST CANADA INC,Pickering, Ontario, Canada under #EBM:M2E068-BF049-24.

The modular blower assemblies may in turn be associated with a modularcore combination assembly so as to form or define the major internalstructures of a ventilation device.

The modular core combination assembly may comprise a shell element 62(as shown in FIGS. 5 a to 5 d.) having a U-shaped member comprising sidewall elements 64 and 66 and base side wall element 68 wherein one sideopening thereof is blocked off by a major wall member 70. Thus the shellelement 62 has a minor end opening extending transversely from the wallmember 70 between the wall elements 64 and 66 elements such that thisopening is defined by the side edges 74, 76 and 78. As may be seen theshell element 62 also has a major opening disposed opposite to the majorwall member 70 defined by the side edges of the side wall elements 64,66 and 68 alone; thus the shell element has two U-shaped openingsblending together and disposed transverse to each other. The interior ofthe shell is also provided with an inclined T-shaped projection element82 which serves to support a hexagonal exchanger core as well as performa partition role for the separation of air flow through the ventilationunit in conjunction with the core. The T-shaped element 82 (see FIG. 6)is configured to angularly seat a hexagonal shape stacked core (notshown) such as a core as described in Can. Pat. Appln. No. 2416508. Inaccordance with the present invention the shell element 62 may take onthe role of an interconnection element on its own (tongue-grooveinterconnections—FIG. 6) if a unitary L-shaped element 2 is not used oras in the case of the ventilation unit structure as seen in for examplein FIGS. 9 a, 9 b, be an additional component of the interconnectionelement, i.e. in addition to an L-shaped element.

As may be seen from FIGS. 5 a, 5 b and 5 d the shell element is providedwith a pair of opposed side openings and a pair of top openings; one topopening is designated with the reference numeral 90 and one side openingis designated with the reference numeral 92.

In the perspective view of FIG. 5 a the smaller U-shaped rectangularside opening is shown as being provided with tongue projection members74 a, 76 a and 78 a which are space apart by a centrally located groove96, i.e. for engagement with the groove 24 of the enclosure(s) 4.

As seen in Figure page 6 the tongue projection members 74 a, 76 a and 78a and the centrally located groove 96 may be configured to mate withcorresponding female groove element 24 of the modular blowersub-assemblies 4.

Referring to FIGS. 7 a and 7 b these figures illustrate the associationof the modular blower sub-assemblies 4 with the shell element 62 to formeither a top port unit (FIG. 7 a) or a side port unit (FIG. 7 b); theL-shaped element being removed. For illustration purposes, the units areshown with port members 110, 112, 114 and 116, port members 110, 112 and114 being provided with any suitable (known) damper elements. The unusedside and top openings of the shell element 62 are blocked off by plugmembers; some of which are designated by the reference numerals 120, 122and 124.

FIGS. 8 a to 8 d show a ventilation unit with a top port configurationwith the above designations for ports associated with inlet and outletopenings; the unit including an exterior casing component enclosing themodular blower combination assembly and the modular core combinationassembly. Thus port 110 is for introduction into the unit of fresh airfrom the outside of a building or room; port 112 is for exhausting staleinside air out of the unit to the outside of the building or room; port114 is for exhausting from the unit fresh air for delivery to the insideof the building or room; and port 116 is for entry of stale inside airinto the unit.

FIGS. 9 a shows an example exterior casing configuration for top portventilation unit; as may be seen the L-shaped element 2 is an element ofthe exterior casing; the exterior casing includes a door element ormember 130 to cover the major U-shaped opening of the shell element 62,a further covering element 132 to cover the minor U-shaped opening ofthe shell element and a central casing element 134 to cover the body ofthe shell element 62. The central casing element 134 is provided withopenings 140, 142, 144 and 146 corresponding to the top openings in theshell elements. The interior of the door element 130 is configured toalso serve as to support for the hexagonal exchanger core as well as toperform a partition role for the separation of air flow through theventilation unit in conjunction with the T-shaped element 82 and thecore (see also FIG. 22, door element 250).

FIGS. 9 b shows an example exterior casing configuration for aside portventilation unit; which except for the central casing element, is thesame as the for the top port unit shown in FIG. 9 a. The central casingelement 150 is thus provided with side openings corresponding to theused side openings in the shell element 62, two of the side openings aredesignated with the reference numerals 152 and 154.

The exterior casing elements are held in place in any suitable mannersuch as for example by screws

Figure page 10 shows the example exterior casing configuration for a topport ventilation unit of FIG. 9 associated with modular blowersub-assemblies in top port configuration in relation to the L-shapedelement 2; a side port configuration of the sub-assemblies also beingshown in dotted outline.

FIG. 12 a schematically illustrates a top view of the ventilation unitof FIG. 11 again with a portion of the exterior casing cut away toexpose the hexagonal exchanger core 176, the unit being in a fresh airdelivery configuration. The two dark arrows show the separate paths forair movement from the core 176 to respective ports 112 and 114.

FIG. 12 b schematically illustrates a front side view of the ventilationunit of FIG. 11 with one top port 116 (top port 116 being shown in FIG.12 a) cut away along with a portion of the exterior casing to expose thehexagonal exchanger core 176, the unit being in a fresh air deliveryconfiguration. The two dark arrows show the separate paths for airmovement into the core 176 from respective ports 110 and 116.

As may be seen from FIG. 12 b the damper 180 blocks off a stale airby-pass channel so that fresh air may be delivered to the core 176 fromport 110.

FIGS. 13 a and 13 b show in enlarged format the disposition of thedamper 180 for controlling the input of fresh air into the ventilationunit and the blocking off of fresh air for recirculation of enclosureair through both sides of the exchanger core 176, i.e. for a top portarrangement. The ventilation unit is provided with a suitably configured(removable) wedge shaped channel member of U-shaped cross-section which,along with the shell element, defines a stale air path communicatingwith stale air inside of the ventilation unit. When in the fresh air inconfiguration the damper 180 blocks an opening of the suitablyconfigured removable wedge shaped channel member so that fresh airfollows the arrow 190. When the ventilation unit is in the recirculationair configuration the damper 180 blocks off the port 110 and unblocksthe opening defined by the wedge shaped channel member. With the damper180 so disposed stale air may circulate (arrow 192) through stale airpath defined by the wedge shaped channel member through the core 176back into the enclosure from whence it came.

FIG. 13 c shows in enlarged format the disposition of the damper 180 forcontrolling the input of fresh air into the ventilation unit through theexchanger core 176, i.e. for side port arrangement. The side portventilation unit is provided with a further suitably modified(removable) wedge shaped channel member of U-shaped cross-section which,along with the shell element, defines a similar stale air path (asmentioned above with respect to FIG. 13 a) communicating with stale airinside of the ventilation unit. When in the fresh air in configurationthe damper 180 blocks off an opening of the suitably modified(removable) wedge shaped channel member so that fresh air follows thearrow 196. If air recirculation is desired then as in the case for thetop port configuration the damper 180 is pulled back to block theopening associated with port 110 to allow for air recirculation througha wedge shaped channel member.

In accordance with the present invention the wedge shaped channelmembers may be replaced by any other suitable means for providing astale air path.

Referring to FIG. 14, this figure shows a further view of the interiorof a shell element as shown in FIG. 5 a.

FIG. 15 a schematically illustrates an embodiment of a wedge shapedchannel member 200 of the present invention for a ventilation unithaving side ports; the wedge member 200 has a wide U-shaped opening 202.FIG. 15 b schematically illustrates a perspective view from aboveshowing the narrow U-shaped opening 204 of the wedge shaped channelmember 200 of FIG. 15 a. FIG. 15 c schematically illustrates aperspective view from below of the wedge shaped channel member 200 ofFIG. 15 a.

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a shell elementof FIG. 14 (core removed) wherein the wedge shaped channel member 200 ofFIG. 15 a is disposed in the shell element 62 so as to define a staleair path closed off at the narrow opening of the wedge shaped channelmember 200 by damper 180. FIG. 17 schematically illustrates aperspective view of the shell element (core removed) and wedge member200 wherein the damper 180 is retracted away from the narrow opening ofwedge member 200 so as to close off the fresh air opening of the shellelement and expose the narrow opening of the wedge member forrecirculation of stale air through the ventilation unit.

FIG. 18 a schematically illustrates a perspective view from aboveshowing the wide U-shaped opening 210 of a further wedge shaped channelmember 212 of the present invention for a ventilation unit having topports. FIG. 18 b schematically illustrates a perspective view from belowof the wedge shaped channel member 212 of FIG. 18 a showing the narrowU-shaped opening 214 thereof.

FIG. 19 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a shell elementof FIG. 14 wherein the wedge shaped channel member 212 of FIG. 18 a isdisposed in the shell element so as to define (with the shell element62) a stale air path closed off at a the narrow opening of wedge member212 by a damper 180. FIG. 20 schematically illustrates a perspectiveview of a shell element 62 and wedge member 212 of FIG. 19 wherein thedamper 180 is retracted away from the wedge member 212 so as to closeoff the fresh air opening of the shell element and expose the narrowopening of the wedge member 212 member for recirculation of stale airthrough the ventilation unit.

FIG. 21 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a ventilationunit of the present invention with the covering element removed alongwith the L-shaped element and one of the modular blower sub-assembliesso as to expose the hexagonal exchanger core 230. The unit is providewith pivot members 234, 234 a for pivotal engagement in openings ofrespective pivot elements 240 and 240 a of the door element 250 shown inFIG. 22 (the door element is seen in FIGS. 9 a and 9 b and is identifiedby the reference numeral 130).

FIG. 22 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the interiorside of a door element 250 in accordance with the present inventionwhich as shown has a criss-cross patterned structure. The interior sideof the door element 250 is configured such that when the exchanger core230 is in place in the interior of the ventilation unit and resting onthe T-shaped projection element 82, the criss-cross patterned structureof the interior of the door element 250 will bear down on the exchangercore pushing it against the projection element 82 so as to effectivelydivide the interior of the ventilation unit, about the exchanger core,into four spaces; namely a fresh air in space interconnected by theexchanger core with a fresh air out space and a stale air in spaceinterconnected by the exchanger core with a stale air out space, eachspace being able to communicate with a respect port mentioned herein. Adescription of such type of interior divisions may be found in U.S. Pat.No. 5,193,610, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein byreference; see also U.S. patent application No. 739,412 published underno. 20040226685, the entire contents of which is also incorporatedherein by reference.

As may be appreciated from the discussion with respect to FIGS. 12 a to22 and in particular the wedge shaped channel members, a wedge channelmember provides (in conjunction with a suitably disposed damper) a meansfor interconnecting the stale air in space with the fresh air in spaceso the stale air only may be circulated through the ventilation unit fordelivery, for example, back to the enclosure from which the stale airwas initially taken.

FIGS. 23 a and 23 b respectively schematically illustrate a fresh air incycle and an interior stale air recirculation (i.e. delivery back)cycle; the damper 180 is shown in both configurations. The damper 180 isillustrated in FIG. 23 a as being in a position closing off the narrowopening of the wedge shaped channel member so that fresh air may bedrawn into the ventilation unit. The damper 180 is illustrated in FIG.23 b as being in a position closing off the fresh air opening so as toexpose the narrow opening of the wedge shaped channel member so thatfresh air is blocked from entering the ventilation unit and stale airmay circulate back to the enclosure from whence it came.

FIGS. 24, 25 a and 25 b illustrate the disposition of an electronicscontrol module 300 for association with the L-shaped element and theshell element as well with the modular blower sub-assemblies; theexchanger core is not shown in FIGS. 25 a and 25 b. The control modulemay of course take any desired or necessary form.

FIGS. 26, 27, 28 and 29 are further illustrations of the shell elementand modular blower sub-assemblies for top and side port units of figureswith the L-shaped element removed from the FIGS. 28 and 29. Thesefigures also show plug members which are used to block off unusedopening of the shell element (see figure page 17 for example). Thesefigures also show the units with electronics control modules 300.

It is to be born in mind that the ventilation units components describedabove are given by way of example only and may be modified in anydesired fashion in order to exploit the modular blower combinationassembly and modular blower sub-assembly of the present invention.

1. A modular blower combination assembly comprising an interconnectionelement and a pair of modular blower sub-assemblies associatedtherewith, said interconnection element being configured forinterconnecting said pair of modular blower sub-assemblies in juxtaposedrelationship in a respective first configuration and in a respectivesecond configuration, each of said modular blower sub-assembliescomprising blower means and an enclosure disposed about said blowermeans, said blower means having an upstream side and a downstream side,said enclosure comprising a pair of opposed faces interconnected by sidewall means, said enclosure having an axis of rotation relative to saidopposed faces, one of said opposed faces defining a blower opening inair communication with one side of the blower means, the blower meanshaving an axis of rotation transverse to said one opposed face, saidside wall means defining a side blower opening in air communication withthe other side of the blower means, said enclosure being configured tobe able to engage said interconnection element in a first configurationwhereby said side blower opening is disposed in a first position suchthat air may pass through said side blower opening in a first directionand being configured to be able, on rotation of the enclosure about saidaxis of rotation of the enclosure, to engage said interconnectionelement in a second configuration whereby said side blower opening isdisposed in a second position such that air may pass through said sideblower opening in a second direction transverse to said first direction.2. A modular blower assembly for association with an interconnectionelement configured for interconnecting a pair of modular blowerassemblies in juxtaposed relationship in a respective firstconfiguration and in a respective second configuration, said modularblower assembly comprising blower means and an enclosure disposed aboutsaid blower means, said blower means having an upstream side and adownstream side, said enclosure comprising a pair of opposed facesinterconnected by side wall means, said enclosure having an axis ofrotation relative to said opposed faces, one of said opposed facesdefining a blower opening in air communication with one side of theblower means, the blower means having an axis of rotation transverse tosaid one opposed face, said side wall means defining a side bloweropening in air communication with the other side of the blower means,said enclosure being configured to be able to engage saidinterconnection element in a first configuration whereby said sideblower opening is disposed in a first position such that air may passthrough said side blower opening in a first direction and beingconfigured to be able, on rotation of the enclosure about said axis ofrotation of the enclosure, to engage said interconnection element in asecond configuration whereby said side blower opening is disposed in asecond position such that air may pass through said side blower openingin a second direction transverse to said first direction.
 3. A modularblower combination assembly comprising an interconnection element and apair of modular blower sub-assemblies associated therewith, saidinterconnection element configured for interconnecting said pair ofmodular blower sub-assemblies in juxtaposed relationship in a respectivefirst configuration and in a respective second configuration, each ofsaid modular blower sub-assemblies comprising blower means and anenclosure disposed about said blower means, said blower means having anupstream side and a downstream side, said enclosure having a rectangularbox-like form and comprising a pair of opposed square broad facesinterconnected by a first side wall element and three secondary sidewall elements, said enclosure having a central axis of rotation relativeto said opposed square broad faces, one of said opposed broad facesdefining a blower air intake opening in air communication with theupstream side of the blower means, the blower means having an axis ofrotation transverse to said one opposed face, said first side wallelement defining a side blower air outlet opening in air communicationwith the downstream side of the blower means, said enclosure beingconfigured to be able to engage said interconnection element in a firstconfiguration whereby said side blower opening is disposed in a firstposition such that air may pass out of said side blower opening in afirst direction and being configured to be able, on rotation of theenclosure 90 degrees about said central axis of rotation of theenclosure, to engage said interconnection element in a secondconfiguration whereby said side blower opening is disposed in a secondposition such that air may pass out of said side blower opening in asecond direction perpendicular to said first direction.
 4. A modularblower combination assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein theinterconnection element comprises an elongated element and has an L-likecross-section having a foot portion and a upstanding leg portionconnected thereto, said foot portion being configured for seating saidenclosure by engagement with a secondary side wall element.
 5. A modularblower assembly for association with an interconnection elementconfigured for interconnecting a pair of modular blower assemblies injuxtaposed relationship in a respective first configuration and in arespective second configuration, said modular blower sub-assemblycomprising blower means and an enclosure disposed about said blowermeans, said blower means having an upstream side and a downstream side,said enclosure having a rectangular box-like form and comprising a pairof opposed square broad faces interconnected by a first side wallelement and three secondary side wall elements, said enclosure having acentral axis of rotation relative to said opposed square broad faces,one of said opposed broad faces defining a blower air intake opening inair communication with the upstream side of the blower means, the blowermeans hsving sn axis of rotation transverse to said one opposed face,said first side wall element defining a side blower air outlet openingin air communication with the downstream side of the blower means, saidenclosure being configured to be able to engage said interconnectionelement in a first configuration whereby said side blower opening isdisposed in a first position such that air may pass out of said sideblower opening in a first direction and being configured to be able, onrotation of the enclosure 90 degrees about said central axis of rotationof the enclosure, to engage said interconnection element in a secondconfiguration whereby said side blower opening is disposed in a secondposition such that air may pass out of said side blower opening in asecond direction perpendicular to said first direction.